In an effort to hasten the implementation process, the port is keen to add an additional cargo handling capacity of 32.4 million tonnes (mt) within the next five years to reach a total capacity of 73.6 mt.

The expansion programme involves construction of berths, development of a satellite port at Tekra off Tuna, deepening the draught and other port connectivity projects.

Mr A. Janardhan Rao, Chairman, told

Business Line

that the port would seek budgetary support to the extent of Rs 768 crore from the Government, while another Rs 2,043 crore would be mobilised through its internal resources.

Dry cargo traffic

Kandla port expects its dry cargo traffic, which at present is about 14 mt, to surpass the 25-mt mark by 2011-13, excluding containerised cargoes. The port is setting up two new berths through private participation at a cost of Rs 443 crore, which will add a capacity of 8 mt after the projects are commissioned by mid-2008.

Also, with a sharp rise in container traffic, Kandla port has proposed a container terminal project at a cost of Rs 271 crore, for which it is expecting Government's approval shortly.

Satellite port

Focus of the expansion programme is on the proposed satellite port at Tuna, about 30 km away from Kandla. "The proposed satellite port's berthing structure will be a T-shaped jetty into the open sea without having any breakwater. The port will have a back-up area of 8-lakh sq metre, with four shore unloaders and a conveyor support system. If this materialises, Kandla will become the only port in the country with two satellite ports one at Vadinar and another at Tuna," Mr Rao said.

The port is also deepening its draught from 11.5 metre to 13.5 metre in phases within the next three years at a cost of Rs 136 crore.

Kandla port has given the dredging contract of Rs 86.5 crore based on draught attainment instead of the usual hopper volumes carried out earlier.

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